PuttingFamilyFirst

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AM Portrait of Ann Matus
Online therapist

Ann Matus

Calm, practical support for family and addiction concerns

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Credentials
LCPC
Experience
3 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Ann

Ann Matus is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois who focuses on practical help for families and people facing addiction, career shifts, ADHD, and major life changes. She keeps conversations simple and respectful. She listens first, then works with each person to decide what to try next.

Her sessions are aimed at steady progress rather than quick fixes. She uses client-centered methods to follow the person’s goals and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

Background and approach

That combination helps with communication problems, control issues, mood concerns, and substance or process addictions. Ann draws on three years of clinical experience in Illinois. She matches her approach to each person’s situation and adjusts plans as needs shift.

She emphasizes collaboration and practical steps like building new routines or changing patterns of thinking. Work typically focuses on skills and conversation you can use between meetings. Topics she addresses include money and financial issues, eating and food-related concerns, smoking or vaping cessation, and finding clearer life purpose.

The tone in sessions is compassionate and straightforward. If someone prefers flexible contact, sessions can happen by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Ann asks new people to complete a brief questionnaire so she can suggest the right next step and schedule sessions that fit their life.

How Ann’s Approaches Work Online

Ann uses client-centered therapy to keep the conversation focused on the person’s needs and goals. That approach means listening closely, reflecting what matters most, and shaping sessions around those priorities so people feel heard and respected.

She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. CBT helps when patterns of thinking or behavior cause stress, anxiety, mood problems, or addictive habits by teaching practical skills and small experiments to try between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Ann will work together with each person to choose or blend methods based on their goals, preferences, and what does or does not help. This collaborative stance makes it easier to adjust the plan as needs change.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life and to continue work during transitions or travel. Many people find the range of contact styles helpful for practicing new skills and staying connected between meetings.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does she help with?
She works with addictions, family concerns, career difficulties, ADHD, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include communication problems, mood issues, and financial or eating-related concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style blends client-centered therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She listens first and then uses CBT techniques to address thoughts and behaviors that get in the way.
What is her professional background?
She has three years of professional work experience providing counseling in Illinois. That experience includes helping people with addiction and family-related challenges.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds the LCPC credential and is licensed in Illinois with number IL LCPC 180.015356.
Which languages are supported and are international clients seen?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
In what formats are sessions offered?
Sessions can be held by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This allows flexibility for different schedules and preferences.
How does cost and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
3 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

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